MEET OUR STAFF
Our Fabulous
DI RODIN
Dircelia J. Rodin, affectionately known as Di, has devoted her life to the disciplines of dance and gymnastics. Originally from Brazil, Di discovered her passion for dance at a young age. She refined her skills at the Municipal School of Ballet and Theater in São Paulo, studying the Chequetti Method, the Royal Academy, and Russian Technique. Her commitment to excellence propelled her to the renowned Juilliard School in New York, where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance in 1983.
Di's remarkable career spans more than 50 years and is distinguished by her roles in teaching, choreography, and performance. Her journey started in Brazil and progressed to New York, where she studied at esteemed institutions such as Joffrey, American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Dance Circle under Maestro Corvino, and The Juilliard School. Throughout her career, she has performed with prominent companies, including Avodah Dance Company, Long Island Dance Theater, Hofstra University, and the Juilliard Dance Ensemble.
Professional Journey
Owner
Contribution to Dance and Gymnastics in Hawaii
In 1990, Di moved to Hawaii, where her influence in the dance and gymnastics community has been profound. She founded the Dance Movement Academy in 1997 at Kaneohe Marine Base and later at Hickam Air Force Base in 2000. Her academy has been a beacon of excellence, offering training in various dance forms such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop.
Di's commitment to gymnastics is equally impressive. She founded K-Bay Gymnastics in 1999 and has been coaching gymnastics for the past 25 years. Her expertise elevated the standards from recreational to competitive levels, nurturing countless young talents.
Achievements and Recognitions
Di's dedication to her craft has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. In 1993, she was selected to work for the Department of Education and Arts Council of Hawaii, contributing to various public and private schools across the island. From 1997 to 1999, she coached the Kokokahi Gymnastics Team. Her excellence in choreography was celebrated at the Spotlight competitions, where she was awarded Best Choreographer in 2009.
Vision and Mission
Driven by the excitement of contributing positively to her students' experiences, Di's work is underpinned by her guiding motto: “Do your Best”. Her mission statement reflects her philosophy: “Bring a positive experience to one’s life throughout dance and its components: forms, discipline, creativity, determination, and grace”.
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Di Rodin's legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the arts. Her influence continues to inspire and shape the lives of many young dancers and gymnasts, fostering a love for the arts and a pursuit of excellence.
Allison Sheppard
Allison has been an integral part of Dance Movement Academy and KBay Gymnastics for the past decade. With a passion for dance and a natural talent for goal setting, she has dedicated her career to education and coaching from a young age. Her enthusiasm and self-motivation have driven her to continually grow and develop her skills, making her a respected figure in her field.
Coach
Allison specializes in various styles of Contemporary Dance, Movement for Special Needs, and Tumbling. Her versatility and expertise allow her to connect with a diverse range of students, helping them to achieve their personal and professional goals. In addition to her dance and movement coaching, Allison is an experienced ABA therapist. She leads her own company, Understanding Behavior, where she applies her skills to support individuals with special needs.
Since joining the Dance Movement Academy team in 2008, Allison has been a cornerstone of the academy's success. Her dedication and passion for her work are evident in everything she does, making her an inspiring and motivating force for her students and colleagues alike
Rose Rice
My name is Rose, I have been a seasoned gymnast and cheerleader with over 20 years of dedication to the sport. I spent 12 years as an athlete before transitioning to coaching, where I have spent the past 10 years mentoring and developing young athletes. I have successfully trained numerous state and regional champions, guiding them from bronze levels up to level 9.
Coach
As a head coach and gym manager/director at previous and my current gym, I have demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills, creating environments where athletes can thrive. My favorite event to coach is bars, where I can combine my technical expertise with my passion for gymnastics
Outside of the gym, I bring a festive spirit, with Christmas being my favorite holiday. My enthusiasm and commitment to excellence continue to inspire my athletes to reach their full potential and cultivate a love for the sport.
Fern Scott
I began my journey in dance and tumbling at around 2 years old, and it has been a passion of mine ever since. Dance has not only been a source of joy and excitement for me but also a way to make friends and have fun while learning new things. The thrill of mastering new skills and continuously working towards improvement has always been a driving force for me. Additionally, dance has been a fantastic way for me to stay active.
Coach
While I enjoyed my time in gymnastics during my younger years, my heart was set on dance and tumbling, which I continued to pursue at the studio where I felt at home. Tumbling, in particular, has been a favorite, and I love watching gymnastics for inspiration.
As a coach, my goal is to teach new skills and witness the growth and improvement of my students. My aim is to motivate my students to get better, grow, and learn continuously. I am thrilled to be a part of Dance Movement Academy and the KBay Gymnastics Team, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our students!
Heather Schreiner
I started gymnastics when I was five years old and quickly fell in love. I began competing in team floor gymnastic routines when I was 12 and continued until my junior year in high school. I joined a competitive cheerleading team, competing on the junior varsity team and then the senior team my final year. My senior year we qualified for Nationals and competed in Florida for the national title, ranking within the top ten teams.
Coach
During my time competing I also enjoyed working as an assistant coach at my gymnastics studio. I’m excited to step back into the world of gymnastics at Dance Movement Academy, K-Bay Gymnastics. When coaching at K-Bay I hope to encourage gymnasts to have fun, work hard, and build confidence through the amazing sport of gymnastics.
Kenzie Ives
I grew up in the town of Webster, located just outside Rochester, NY, where I have lived my entire life with my family. My journey in dance began at the tender age of three when I enrolled at Dance 22. After a year, I transitioned to DK Dance Studio, which became my second home for the next fifteen years. Dance has been a central part of my life for sixteen years, shaping who I am today.
Coach
Throughout my dancing career, I explored various styles, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical Contemporary, and Tumbling, with tumbling being my forte. At eight, I started competing, and my dance team quickly became a family. The relationships I formed and the experiences I had significantly impacted my life.
At sixteen, I had the incredible opportunity to teach at my studio. This role allowed me to influence young dancers as my teachers had done for me. Watching these young dancers grow and develop a love for dance brought me immense joy and motivation. Sharing my passion and talent with them was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Recently, I joined the United States Marine Corps and discovered a new passion for serving as a Marine. Despite this new path, my love for dance and tumbling remains unwavering. I am dedicated to keeping this passion alive by passing on my knowledge and experiences to others.
Kristal Kowack
Motivated and passionate dance instructor and theater performer. Experienced with various roles from mainstage to backstage. Trained in dance, theater, and voice. Eager and willing to learn and grow daily in all aspects of the arts from volunteering, instructing, and performing. Kristal spent the last 5 years teaching at Terpsichore in Southern Pines, NC; the area’s oldest dance studio. There she cultivated strong relationships with the students and staff.
Coach
Most recently she also jumped back on stage with the Sunrise Theater for their inaugural first season of live theater. Kristal was nominated for choreographic work in Grease for Tournament of Plays, in 2012, while stationed in Germany, with husband. Kristal has been married for almost 18 years and has 3 children. Once upon a time she would have loved to “shuffle off to Buffalo”, but life took her a different way. She is always looking for ways to improve her skills and is willing to learn new things when given the opportunity.
One of her favorite quotes she applies to her teaching style is “Repetition is The Mother Skill”
Mia Galiazzi
Hello everyone!
I'm so excited to be able to be here at DMA/KBG.
I've been dancing for 13 years and still going strong.
I enjoy doing every style of dance but I especially love Jazz, Hip Hop, and dancing in heels.
Coach
I've taught every age group from smallest to biggest and all different types of children. I'm originally from New Jersey and have recently gotten out of the Marine Corp and moved here with my husband. Dance has always been the thing I love to do more than anything and I have a strong passion for dance. As long as I'm dancing, I'm happy, so happy that I could ever put it into words.
I can't wait to continue our dance journeys together!
Nicole Vela-Bailey
Nicole discovered her love for gymnastics at the early age of 3. Being the middle child of three daughters whom were all on the competitive gymnastics team, gymnastics soon became a second home and family to her. She then went on to become part of the TOP’s Junior Olympic team as well as a national finalist level 10 gymnast whom also trained elite. After retiring from the sport she coached team for a variety of different gymnastic schools in Hawaii including K-BAY Gymnastics.
Coach
After a few fun years of coaching Nicole took a break to concentrate on her dance and stunt career which led to appearances in many shows, tv shows and movies. While still involved in the dance and stunt industry she is beyond excited to have started a family and get back to her roots (gymnastics and coaching).
Nicole’s goal as a coach is to reflect her love and experience of the sport upon generations to come.
Rebecca Rath
I started ballet and tap at the early age of two. Mainly due to the fact my grandparents were professional tap dancers. Which led my parents to see if I’d also take a liking to dance as well. As a child I competed nationally, as well as internationally for Aerobic Gymnastics. Placing 3rd nationally and 6th internationally in the 2007 Los Angeles competitions. Although, I loved gymnastics my heart was always with ballet. At the age of 10 I decided to focus solely on ballet. Thus, leading me into becoming Pre-professional by age 14.
Coach
From age 14-18 I danced in company with New Bern Ballet, leading me to spend two summers at The Rock School for Dance Education Ballet intensive. In addition to summer intensives, I also auditioned as well as danced in the Winter festival/ intensive at UNCSA in Winston Salem, NC. Also, I have had the wonderful opportunity to dance in master classes with the Moscow Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet.
I graduated high school in 2016 with honors. I attended AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) New York City Campus on Scholarship.
Rebekah Anderson
My name is Rebekah, and I am a passionate Special Education Teacher for elementary school students. Over the past five years, I have dedicated myself to nurturing young minds, finding my true calling in working with elementary students after initially starting as a substitute teacher at the high school level.
Coach
My journey began in Iowa, where I grew up immersed in the world of gymnastics. My father, a competitive gymnast, owns a large gymnastics gym specializing in tumbling and trampoline. Under his guidance, I spent countless hours training in gymnastics, a sport that has shaped much of who I am today. Additionally, I competed in cheer competitions and was an active high school cheerleader for six years, also joining the drill team for two seasons.
In a surprising turn, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduation, serving nine years as a combat photographer. During my service, I also found a way to combine my love for cheerleading with my duties, serving as the assistant coach for a middle school competitive cheer team while stationed in Beaufort, SC. Following my military service, I continued my coaching journey as the cheerleading coach at Lejeune High School for two seasons before relocating to Hawaii.
​My love for teaching extends beyond academics. I have a deep passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes, particularly in gymnastics—a tradition and skill passed down through my family. Whether in the classroom or the gym, I strive to inspire and guide children of all ages, fostering both their academic and athletic growth.
Rebekah Jordan
I first started gymnastics at the age of 3 years old, and shortly I changed to dance, from been inspired by my grandma who was a dancer for her whole life. I was introduced to various forms of dance styles form ballet, jazz to breaking dance and Hip-Hop.
​I progressed to state competitive levels in North Dakota with an organization called: “United We Dance”.
Coach
At High School, I transition to cheerleading and Dance Team. At college, I worked as an assistant coach at a dance studio outside the college for their Spirit Team, incorporating dance and cheer.
After I graduated from Bible college at St. Lutheran Bible School, I acquired a degree in Bachelor of Science, in Kinesiology, at Roseville, MN. There I minored in Psychology and Dance, then switched to a minor in music.
My dance career was defined by joining the dance theater and cheer club. In dance theater we emphasized lyrical dance, as well as ballet and tap. At the junior and senior year of college I was elected to be the cheer squad captain,
After I graduated college and moved to Hawaii. I wanted to still be part of dance. So here I am at Dance Movement Academy, under Di Rodin, to share the passion for dance and help each child to cultivate the talent and creativity that they bring within.
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Being in Hawaii, I am also learning Hula and their culture. …It is a thrill to call this my new home